The company introduced a device called the Smart Key Box.
The company Toyota has presented a device called the Smart Key Box, which allows you to open and close the car door and start the engine via smartphone. The novelty is designed for use in car-share programs, and its trials will begin in San Francisco next year.
In 2017, Volvo plans to offer models with electronic keys. As in the case with the device of “Toyota” in order to open the doors and start the engine you will need a special mobile application to connect to the car via Bluetooth. Access to the car without a traditional key already have the Swedish service delivery, which can leave the parcel in the car.
The device requires no special installation. It is enough to put, for example, in the glove box, on the front panel or in the Cup holder. Customer service of car sharing, being close to the car with the Smart Key Box and will be using a mobile app to send a special code. After authentication the Bluetooth system will open doors and allow you to start the engine.
The new system will be tested in cooperation with the new service Getaround, in which the Toyota company controlled by the Fund has invested $ 10 million. In the pilot programme of car sharing will be able to participate motorists who have a hybrid Prius or Lexus models.
Program car sharing Getaround enables car owners to rent out their car rental if it is not used for a long time. Representatives of the service claim that using Getaround can earn $ 800 a month. The cost of car rental is five dollars per hour.
Toyota is not the first car company that starts such a program. For example, Daimler has Car2Go service. General Motors — Maven, which already operates in many major U.S. cities, the “Ford” in London there is a program GoDrive, and BMW — ReachNow working in Seattle. In addition, the car-share program will soon appear in “Tesla”.
